New Learning: Constructing Knowledge in Leadership Training Programs

Abstract

This study examined the new learning that occurred in a professional development program for participants who aspire to the community college presidency. Knowledge construction occurred on three levels: personal, professional, and disciplinary. Reframing, embracing, and embodying activities toward knowledge construction were evident, and new knowledge was expressed cognitively, affectively, and conatively. The new learning approach can be used to capture actual learning in a professional development venue, bring the learning into the participants' full consciousness, stimulate individual and group processing for iterative knowledge construction, and provide a higher level of program evaluation.